Chugach Electric Board Candidates Discussion – Energy, Reliability & Your Rates

Rick Whitbeck guest-hosts an energizing conversation with two of the four candidates for the Chugach Electric Association Board of Directors: mechanical engineer and oil & gas veteran Todd Lindley and power-generation expert Michael McManamon. This episode cuts through the noise on the issues that hit every Southcentral Alaska ratepayer’s wallet: protecting dispatchable Eklutna hydro while restoring salmon habitat, why the board’s aggressive 2030/2040 carbon-intensity targets are unrealistic and expensive, Cook Inlet gas shortfalls and the coming LNG imports, the proposed HVDC submarine cable from Bradley Lake, data-center demand, and the real path to affordable, reliable power for the next decade. Both candidates deliver clear, engineer-driven answers: prioritize affordability and reliability, maximize local resources, reject one-size-fits-all green mandates, and keep the lights. Ballots drop in your mailbox or inbox April 29. Voting runs through the annual meeting on May 29 at Change Point Church in Anchorage. This episode is required listening before you vote. *Note: Chugach's Annual Meeting begins @4PM, not 5PM as stated during the show. All information related to the election and the annual meeting can be found at the following site:  https://www.chugachelectric.com/your-cooperative/news-community/annual-meeting/annual-meeting-election     Candidate Info:  All Candidates https://www.chugachelectric.com/your-cooperative/news-community/annual-meeting/annual-meeting-election   Todd M Lindley https://www.toddforchugach.com/ https://www.chugachelectric.com/system/files/annual_meeting/2026/2026%20Todd%20Lindley%20candidate%20bio.pdf https://gumlet.tv/watch/69d6dddd15722ddd13942bf8/   Michael McManamon  https://www.chugachelectric.com/system/files/annual_meeting/2026/2026%20Michael%20McManamon%20candidate%20bio.pdf https://gumlet.tv/watch/69d6de4779cd218090ed4af0/   Listen now on Must Read Alaska – because Alaska’s energy future is on the ballot.     Sponsors: Sponsored by Seven Weeks Coffee – mold- and glyphosate-free, organic, regenerative, and 10% of every sale (over 50% of profits) goes to pro-life pregnancy centers nationwide. Grab the world’s best coffee and support a great cause at the same time. Use promo code MRAK for 10% off your order at sevenweekscoffee.com (link in show notes).